Bruce Wayne is a wealthy American playboy, philanthropist, and owner of Wayne Enterprises. After witnessing the murder of his parents Dr. Thomas and Martha Wayne as a child, he swore vengeance against criminals, an oath tempered by a sense of justice. Bruce Wayne trains himself physically and intellectually and crafts a bat-inspired persona to fight crime.[10] Batman operates in Gotham City with assistance from various supporting characters, including his butler Alfred Pennyworth, police commissioner Gordon, and vigilante allies such as Robin. Unlike most superheroes, Batman does not possess any superpowers; rather, he relies on his genius intellect, physical prowess, martial arts abilities, detective skills, science and technology, vast wealth, intimidation, and indomitable will. A large assortment of villains make up Batman's rogues gallery, including his archenemy, the Joker. He is a worthy member of the Justice League of America and Super Friends.

“

Orphaned as a child when his parents were killed before his eyes, Bruce Wayne trained himself to wage war against crime as the dread avenger of the night … the Batman!

”

— From Batman, #304 (October 1978).

Contents

Background Information

Early Youth

In the parallel-universe of Earth-One, Bruce Wayne was the only son of physician Dr. Thomas and Martha Wayne. When Bruce Wayne was 3 or 4, his father attended a masquerade- ball where the theme was ‘flying creatures’. Thomas Wayne won first prize wearing a "bat-man" costume. While the prizes are being given out, a couple of gunman burst in demand help from the only doctor in attendance, Dr. Wayne. They take him to their secret hideout where Lew Moxon, a notorious bank robber was hiding out. He had been shot. However, Thomas decides apprehend the bank robbers. And with stupid-luck, helps capture the bank robbers. At his trial, Moxon swears vengeance on Wayne.[11]

Young Bruce was also introduced to the mysterious avenger and vigilante called the 'Shadow' (Kent Allard), who saved his and his father's life during a robbery. Bruce was instantly inspired by the Shadow.[12] This event and seeing his father in the ‘Bat-costume’ (which Bruce still has) influenced Bruce's adult life.

A few weeks later, after a night out, young Bruce and his parents were walking home on through a fashionable neighborhood called Park Row (now called Crime Alley) and chatting about the movie they had just seen (in the Earth-1A universe, it was Robin Hood),[13] when a lone-gunman (in the Earth-One universe it was confirmed to be Joe Chill) emerged from the shadows trying to steal Martha’s necklace. As the boy watched in horror, two shots were fired. Bruce stood there in numb silence as his parents crumpled to the ground. As the police converged on the scene, a woman named Leslie Thompkins singled the young sobbing Bruce out. She knelt down beside him, hugged him and told him she would do what she could to help. Everything else faded away as he felt the comfort of her embrace. Young Bruce was also supported by a young police lieutenant named James W. Gordon.[14] Afterwards, Bruce made a graveside promise that he would bring the lowly killer to justice and avenge their deaths.[15] The Gotham police never found the gunman.[16]

Shortly after the funeral, Social Services handed Bruce over to the care of his uncle — Philip Wayne. He stayed at Philip's estate. His Uncle Phil had to travel due to his work and was rarely at home. So young Bruce became close friends with the housekeeper, Mrs. Chilton, who would become like a second mother.[17].

Almost a year to the date of his parent’s murder, he decided to track down the city's most famous private detective, Harvey Harris (in the Earth-1A universe he is the uncle to Jr. SuperFriend, Wendy Harris). After weeks of surveillance, Bruce decided to don a bright red, yellow and green costume to conceal his identity, Bruce decides to introduce himself only to find a criminal waiting to ambush him. Bruce used a large advertising display piece to waylay the thug, saving Harris's life. Harris was so impressed with the teen's nerve that he agreed to take him under his wing. Thinking the masked teenage boy looked as colorful as a robin redbreast in his costume; Harris decided to call him Robin. As Robin, Bruce spent several weeks training under Harvey Harris's tutelage. Harris instructed him on the finer points of criminal detection, boxing and fingerprint identification.[18]

As Bruce became a teenager, rather than purse athletic aspirations (which he could have), he dedicated himself towards learning everything he could about police procedure. He attended Gotham College, where he graduated with a degree in criminology and a minor in psychology. However, it was from Professor Amos Rexford that he learned his greatest lesson – the difference between law and justice.[19] Upon graduation Bruce travelled around the world in preparation for his ultimate crusade and during this journey; he visited many places for different purposes. He trained in Mexico with a Witch Doctor to hone his wisdom and learn to trust his instincts.[20] Bruce eventually returned to his family's original estate, Wayne Manor, now old enough to assume control of his father's business interests at Wayne Enterprises, but there was still the unsettled matter of his graveside vow.

On one notable evening, Bruce was toying with the idea of becoming a police officer, when, like an omen, a bat flew through a window in Wayne Manor. It was then he came up with the idea to become a masked vigilante crime-fighter:Batman, the Dark Knight to strike fear into the hearts of all evil men![21]

Rogues, Villains and Allies

Not long after Bruce took in the young orphaned Richard Grayson as his ward and his friendship with Gotham City Police CommissionerJames Gordon begins to take shape,[22]Alfred Pennyworth showed up unannounced at Wayne Manor to become the butler, having made a promise to do so by his dying father Jarvis Pennyworth, Thomas Wayne's old butler. Although at first Wayne and Grayson kept their identities a secret from him, Alfred soon learned their secret during an emergency and began assisting the Batman and Robin team, adding maintenance of the Batcave to his many duties at Wayne Manor.[23]

In addition to fighting crime, the Dynamic Duo teamed up with allies including Batwoman, heiress, former circus performer and love interest for Bruce, Kathy Kane;[44]Bat-Girl (Kathy's niece, Betty Kane);[45] and Batgirl, who was secretly Commissioner Gordon's daughter Barbara.[46] For several years, they also had an ardent — if frequently obnoxious — supporter in the form of Bat-Mite, an other-dimensional imp with seemingly limitless magical powers.[47] The Earth-One Batman never met his Earth-Two counterpart, but later became friends with his counterpart's daughter Helena, the Huntress; whom she called ‘uncle’.[48]

The Caped Crusader

Putting on the Mask

It would be as Batman that Wayne began his personal crusade against the underworld forces that operated within Gotham city almost unchecked. He proved to be an effective crime fighter through sophisticated analytical and detective processes that got him the support of Gotham City Police Commissioner James Gordon. He even has the devotion of a local Doctor to aid him in his cause, Dr. Douglas William Dundee.[49]

Batman eventually learned the identities of Joe Chill and Lew Moxon and discovered the real story behind his parents' murders. However, Chill was shot by his own men and Moxon was hit by a truck[50] before either man could be arrested or brought to trial.

The next assembly of these great heroes included the Flash, Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter and the Green Lantern. As a team they stopped the invading Appellaxians resulting in the formation of Justice League of America![52]

The Dark Years

Dick Grayson eventually graduated from high school and moved out of Wayne Manor to attend Hudson University. Bruce decided this was a good time to spend time away from Wayne Manor and the Batcave. He moved to the penthouse of the Wayne Foundation building. Bruce and Alfred decided to start working there as their main base of operations both for work at daylight as well as nighttime. In order to instill terror into the new breed of criminals, Batman became a terrible creature of the night once again; a decision that created a whole new perspective in Batman's career.[53] Working alone once again, Batman's tactics and methods became much more serious and so did his enemies.[54]

The caped crusader first became aware of a mysterious group of killers called the League of Assassins, when he saved a shipping magnate from being killed by one of the members of this group.[55] He also stopped their subsequent assassination attempts.[56] Batman was eventually captured by members of the League and locked away with a woman calling herself 'Talia.' They escape and form an estranged partnership.[57] Not long after this, Batman was informed that Robin had been kidnapped and he rushed to the Batcave to investigate the clues. Inside his sanctuary, Batman met the man who would become his most formidable adversary, Ra's al Ghul. He turns out to be the father of Talia and is seeking Batman's help to find her, who has also been kidnapped. By the time Batman located Robin on the lair of the brotherhood, he had rightfully deduced that Ra's and his men were behind everything. After a brief battle with Ra’s henchmen, Batman demands answers from Ra's. He replies by stating that it was all a test to verify Batman's worthiness to become his successor since his daughter Talia, was in love with him. Batman had passed Ra's test and he was offered Talia's hand in marriage along with Ra's al Ghul's empire.[58]

Batman continued his crusade against crime, ignoring Ra's intentions. He is joined by Talia once again and together they investigate the murder of a high profile scientist.[59] Batman soon learns that Ra’s was behind the gruesome crime, and so starts a long rivalry. Although, Ra’s became his enemy, Batman still has romantic feelings for Talia.[60] Batman traveled to Switzerland to locate Ra's secret lair. Once located, they learned that Ra's was dead. After seeing with their own eyes, Batman and Talia decide to leave.[61] However, before they could reach safety, Batman and the others were attacked by a crazed Ra's al Ghul, who had been brought back to life with help from a Lazarus Pit. Batman was easily defeated and Ra's escaped along with Talia, forcing the Dark Knight to track them down again to stop Ra's once and for all. Batman tracked Ra's to his secret base in the desert, where he was forced to fight Ra's on a duel to death and he almost lost the fight. Talia was responsible for saving Batman in the last minute and mustering all his strength, Batman finally captured Ra's al Ghul and gave Talia a well-deserved kiss, after which he took Ra's to the authorities.[62] After having finishing his business with Ra's, Batman returned to Gotham.[63]

Later, in the late 70’s, Batman came in conflict with the League of Assassins after they killed Bruce’s former girlfriend Kathy Kane. He confronted their leader, the ‘Sensei’, but he was forced to fight the Bronze Tiger instead. Although Batman managed to capture Kathy's killers, Sensei and Tiger escaped.[64] Batman was able to capture and interrogate Bronze Tiger about the murder of Kathy Kane, but couldn't get a solid answer. Batman decided to look for the Sensei.[65] After learning of the Sensei's plans, Batman saved many victims of the League, but when he had cornered Sensei, Ra's al Ghul stopped him from capturing the Sensei. Ghul poisoned Batman in order to incapacitate him and challenge the Sensei without assistance. Batman was taken away by Talia and when he recovered, he learned that Ra's and the Sensei had apparently perished in their confrontation.[66]

After the last encounter with Ra's, Talia approached Bruce and asked to be allowed to stay with him since she had nowhere else to go.[67] Bruce, who was in need of affection after his breakup with Selina, allowed Talia to stay, which in turn caused Robin to leave.[68] Batman and Talia soon started a serious relationship. Talia often assisted Batman on his quests.[69]

Eventually Batman was captured by Ra’s and was taken to Infinity Island.[70] He was once again offered to join Ra's, but when he refused, a new confrontation started near a Lazarus Pit. In order to save himself, Batman tossed Ra's into the pit, allowing the demon to arise crazed and stronger than before. The battle ended when Ra's fell into the pit a second time, activating the volcanoes of Infinity Island and destroying the entire place. Batman saved himself thanks to Talia's efforts and they departed from the former island assuming Ra's death.[71]

A New Beginning

After Vicki Vale reintroduced to Bruce Wayne's life, Batman stopped a villain called Mirage, but the ordeal made him realize the harsh truth that he could no longer keep both lives as Bruce Wayne and Batman. For this reason, Bruce resigned to his position as CEO of Wayne Enterprises and gave that role to his personal assistant and financial advisor, Lucius Fox.[72] Soon after this decision was made, Bruce saw no more reason to remain living at the Wayne Foundation Penthouse[73] and he moved back to Wayne Manor, which also meant the return to the original Batcave.[74]

Indomitable Will: Although he has no superhuman powers, Batman's unstoppable determination and strength of will make him an extremely formidable opponent. This makes him able to function while tolerating massive amounts of physical pain, and also allows him to resist telepathy or mind control. His willpower is strong enough to operate a Green Lantern Ring when necessary.

Intimidation: It is widely known that Batman has the ability to instill fear in others, even the people that know him best are intimidated by him. Even those who aren't afraid of the likes of Superman fear Batman.

Interrogation: Batman is adept in interrogation techniques, often using law enforcement methods as well as torture. Several methods seen include hanging a person over the edge of a building by one leg or chaining a person upside down and beating them. He usually just uses his frightening appearance to get answers. "Fear is an excellent motivator" he once said.

Peak Human Conditioning: Through intense training, specialized diet, and biofeedback treatments, Batman represents the pinnacle of human physical prowess. His physical attributes exceeded that of any Olympic level athlete that has ever completed. Strength, speed, stamina, agility, reflexes and coordination are at peak human perfection. Batman began his physical and mental conditioning when he was 11 and then intense physical training and weight lifting at age 12. He has mastered full body control by the time he was 18. Bruce Wayne, since the age of 15, has created a strict diet to enable his body to develop and operate at its most proficient, along with biofeedback treatments (using portable/non portable machines to stimulate muscles to contraction). Batman has performed amazing physical feats due to his superior physique. He engaged in an intensive regular regimen of rigorous exercise (including aerobics, weight lifting, gymnastics, and simulated combat) to keep himself in peak condition, and has often defeated opponents whose size, strength, or other powers greatly exceeded his own. He has spent his entire life in pursuit of physical perfection and has attained it through constant intensive training and determination.

Martial Arts: Bruce is well trained in multiple martial arts, he is known as the man who has mastered 127 forms of martial arts. His primary form of combat is an idiosyncratic admixture of Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Muay Thai, Dragon Style Kung Fu, Boxing, Jujitsu, Ninjitsu and Capoeira.

Weaponry: Through his martial arts training, he has become an expert on all melee weapons. Wayne has displayed exceptional swordfighting capability and proficiency with knives, sticks and various other weapons. He practices during his combat sessions to keep his skills intact, but he prefers unarmed combat.

Stealth: His Ninjutsu training has made him a master at stealth and capable of breaching high security facilities without being detected.

Marksmanship: Wayne is an expert marksman skilled. He is skilled with throwing projectile weapons, (such as his batarangs) archery and firearms. He has been practicing such skills since the early days of his training and is almost on par with the Green Arrow in terms of accuracy.

Genius Level Intellect: Batman is a brilliant, virtually peerless, detective, strategist, scientist, tactician, and commander; he is widely regarded as one of the keenest analytical minds on the planet. Given his lack of superpowers, he often uses cunning and planning to outwit his foes, rather than simply "out-fighting" them.

Investigation: He is widely considered as the World's Greatest Detective, capable of observation, forensic investigation, and inductive and deductive reasoning of the highest caliber. Human intuition is an unlearnable trait and one of Batman's most effective tools. Given any mystery, he can arrive at the correct conclusions with a fraction of the data.

Tactical Analysis: He commonly utilizes cunning tactics to outwit his foes. He is an excellent leader and at times commands the Justice League, Batman is known as one of the greatest strategists and tacticians in the universe.

Disguise: Has mastered the art of disguise by the time he was 23. Has further learned expanded disguise techniques by the time he was 26. Batman has many aliases he uses to infiltrate the underworld or just to go undercover in public situations. His current aliases are: Matches Malone, Thomas Quigley, Ragman, Detective Hawke, Sir Hemingford Grey, Frank Dixon, Gordon Selkirk, and Mr. Fledermaus.

Business Management: Bruce Wayne has extensive skills and experience in business management, has thorough understanding of financial marketing and management and is often known as a example of successful industrialist and businessman on par to Lex Luthor.

Weakness

Those akin to a normal, mortal, human.

Equipment

Batman's Batcomputer is capable of running test on clues, and many other things.

Batman Action Figures

A loose Batman figure

In 1984 the Super Powers collection was launched and one of the first figures released was a Batman figure. He as depicted as wearing his Super Friends gray and blue costume with a black and yellow Bat symbol on his chest. He also featured blue gauntlets blue boots and a blue cowl. His sole accessory was unique, removable blue cloth cape. Like many other action figures n this line the Batman action figure would produce a Superpower when his legs were squeezed together. Batman's motion was a Bat Punch. A Robin action figure and a Batmobile were later produced.

Notes

Batman is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and first appeared in Detective Comics, #27 (1939).[75]

Batman is originally referred to as the Bat-Man and still referred to at times as ‘the’ Batman.

Two different actors lent their voice talents to the role of Batman. Olan Soule provided the voice for Batman in the first 4 seasons of Super Friends. Then actor Adam West, who also played Batman in the live-action 1966 television series provided the voice for Batman in The New Adventures of Batman as well as the final 2 seasons of the Super Friends series.

Batman's origin is explored in a Season 9 episode entitled The Fear. A bit of a nitpick: Robin is ignorant of the fact that Bruce Wayne's parents died in Crime Alley. This is against all levels of continuity because they have been partners for so long. This marks the first time that Batman's origin was explored on film. A bat even flies into Wayne's window which acts as his inspiration just like in the comics.